California Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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Our California Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help You Understand Your Legal Options
Riding a bicycle isn’t just a way to get around; it’s also great for your health, wallet, and the environment. When crashes happen, California bicycle accident lawyers help cyclists navigate legal claims involving unsafe roads, distracted drivers, or other hazards. With its mild weather and scenic routes, California is one of the best places to bike, but even with bike lanes and safety laws, riding isn’t always risk-free.
If a crash injured you, an experienced injury lawyer can explain your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and explore your options. Whether a negligent driver, unsafe road conditions, or another hazard caused the crash, we’ll guide you through your next steps. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your next step. We provide a free, no-obligation initial case review.
Injured cyclists in California may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, bike repairs, and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim. To do this, they must prove someone else was at fault, gather evidence like medical records and witness statements, and meet strict legal deadlines. Arash Law’s experienced attorneys can help prepare the claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and take the case to court if needed.
How Our California Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Assist With Your Case
Filing a bicycle accident claim can be challenging, especially when recovering from serious injuries. There are deadlines to meet, forms to file, and insurance companies that may try to undervalue your case. Without legal guidance, you may overlook details that could affect your case.
We take over the legal process once you decide to work with us and sign the agreement. Our bicycle accident lawyers can:
- Deal directly with insurance companies, handling calls, paperwork, and negotiations.
- Collect and organize key evidence to support your case:
- Police reports and witness statements.
- Medical records and injury documentation.
- Photos and videos of the crash scene.
- Input from accident reconstruction experts when needed.
- Prepare your claim according to legal requirements and court procedures. That includes filing the proper paperwork, responding to correspondence diligently, and representing you professionally.
Our skilled attorneys can’t promise a specific outcome, but we are committed to protecting your rights and building a claim based on facts. We’re here to manage the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Hire Arash Law’s Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Injury victims may face medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies that don’t seem to care. It’s a lot to deal with, especially when you only want to recover and return to your life. It can be helpful to have legal allies who understand what you’re going through and are familiar with cases like yours.
These are some of the qualities our California bicycle accident lawyers have:
- Knowledge of Bicycle Laws — Our attorneys understand the state’s bicycle traffic laws and how they apply to real-world accidents. We’re also familiar with the rules outlined in California’s Driver Handbook and specific regulations for bicyclists.
- Case Management Experience — Our team can handle a wide range of cases, including dooring incidents and multi-vehicle crashes.
- Access to Technical Experts — Our lawyers may work with accident reconstruction specialists to uncover critical details and support your case with solid evidence.
- Honest Communication — Our phones are open 24/7 to answer your calls. We keep you informed at every stage without confusing legal jargon.
- Client-Focused Approach — We review each case based on its individual facts and circumstances. This way, we can tailor our case strategy for your specific situation.
- Focus on Long-Term Impact — Besides looking at short-term costs, our team considers how your injuries may affect your health, work, and life down the line.
- Language Accessibility — We also have team members who speak Spanish, Farsi, Korean, and other languages, so we can communicate with you in the language you prefer.
$4,000,000.00
Our client was walking across the street when a distracted driver ran him over. His injuries revolved around his Traumatic Brain Injury, but the defense simply didn’t want to pay for it. After showing our knowledge and depth of brain injuries, that quickly changed, and the case was resolved weeks before trial. Our co-counselor, Omid Razi, masterfully worked up the case, and his expertise and teamwork led to justice for an amazing client.– BRIAN BEECHER
Questions Bicycle Accident Victims Usually Ask Our Lawyers
When you’re dealing with injuries and stress, it’s hard to know what to do next or who to trust. Many injured cyclists have come to us for clear answers about their rights, the claims process, and what to expect moving forward. Here are some of the most common questions we hear:
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Bicycle Accident?
In California, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations.
There are some exceptions where the deadline may be different:
- Delayed Injuries — The statute of limitations may start when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered rather than when it occurred.
- Government Claims — If a city or state agency is involved (like in a crash due to poor road maintenance or a government vehicle), you typically only have six months to file an administrative claim.
- Minor Victims — If the injured is a minor, the deadline is “tolled” or paused. The clock starts ticking when they turn 18.
These timelines can get confusing, especially if multiple parties are involved or you’re unsure when you officially discovered your injury. A bicycle accident lawyer can review your situation and help you understand which deadlines apply to your case.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer If The Police Report Says I’m Not At Fault?
You should still consider talking to a bicycle accident lawyer, even if the police report says you weren’t at fault. While that report can be helpful, it isn’t the final word in your case. Insurance companies may still challenge your claim or try to reduce what they owe you. Legal advice can help clarify your options.
Here’s why relying only on a police report might not be enough:
- Police reports aren’t always accurate. Officers may overlook details, misinterpret the scene, or get incomplete information.
- Police reports usually can’t be used as solid proof in court. They’re considered hearsay and often don’t hold up as evidence without additional support.
- Insurance companies can still blame you. They may try to twist the facts or use your statements against you to reduce or deny your claim.
A lawyer can help by collecting stronger evidence, like witness statements, photos, videos, and expert analysis. They also know how to deal with insurance adjusters who may use tactics to lower your compensation.
How Can I Find A Qualified Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Choosing the right lawyer can make the legal process easier and less stressful. Here are a few ways to help you find one that fits your needs:
- Seek Referrals:
- Ask friends, family members, or other cyclists if they’ve worked with a lawyer they trust.
- Reach out to doctors, therapists, or social workers who may have worked with injury lawyers before.
- Do Online Research:
- Legal Directories — Use the California State Bar’s attorney search tool to confirm a lawyer’s license status.
- Search Engines — Type phrases like “bike accident lawyer near me” or “bicycle injury attorney California” to find law firms in your area.
- Online Reviews — Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or Avvo to read client feedback and learn about the lawyer’s reputation and experience.
You can also contact Arash Law. Our lawyers handle bicycle accident cases and have experience with complex claims.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Bike Accident?
The compensation you may be eligible for depends on the specific details of your case. There’s no fixed amount for bike accidents because every injury and situation is different. Settlements vary due to the following factors:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The cost of medical care, including future treatment.
- The income you lost from missing work.
- The cost to repair or replace your bike and damaged gear.
- The way your injury changed your daily life or routines.
If the court finds that you were partly responsible for the accident, it could lower the amount you receive. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning injured parties may still be eligible for compensation depending on their percentage of fault. An attorney for bicycle accident cases can explain how this rule applies to your situation.
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go To Trial?
Most bicycle accident cases are settled outside of court. However, a trial may be necessary in certain situations, especially when:
- The insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount.
- There’s a dispute about who caused the accident or how severe your injuries are.
A bicycle accident attorney can discuss your options and help you decide the most appropriate course of action based on your needs and goals.
How Long Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take?
It depends. Some bicycle accident cases wrap up in just a few months, while others take a year or more. The factors that affect the timeline include:
- The extent of your injuries.
- Whether there’s a dispute over who’s at fault.
- The time needed to complete your medical treatment.
- Whether your case needs to go to trial.
Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to better understand what to expect. One of our bicycle accident lawyers can review your situation and give you a general timeline that could apply.
How A California Lawyer Establishes Liability In A Bicycle Accident
To be eligible for compensation after a bicycle accident, you must prove that another person or party was legally at fault. Most bicycle accident claims are based on negligence, which means showing that someone failed to act with reasonable care and caused your injuries as a result. Establishing liability usually involves four key elements:
- Duty of Care — Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and avoid harming others, including cyclists.
- Breach of Duty — You must show that the driver failed to meet this duty. Examples include running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield.
- Causation — There must be a direct link between the driver’s actions and the accident that caused your injuries.
- Damages — You must prove that you suffered real losses from the crash, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
While drivers are often at fault, other parties may also be responsible for the accident, such as:
- The Driver’s Employer — If the driver was on the job during the crash.
- Government Agencies — If poor road design, broken traffic signals, or failure to maintain safe road conditions contributed to the accident.
- Construction Companies or Contractors — If debris or unsafe work zones create hazardous conditions.
Even if your situation seems simple, proving fault can get complicated quickly. A bicycle accident lawyer can look into all the angles of your case, gather evidence, and identify the responsible parties. If you are already working with one, you may benefit from getting free accident lawyer advice from them regarding your situation.
Compensation Bicycle Accident Victims Can Recover
You may be able to recover different types of compensation, depending on how the crash happened and how badly you were injured. These damages may help you address your losses after the accident:
- Medical Costs — You may need immediate care and ongoing treatment for injuries, such as road rash, head trauma, soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, and others. Compensation can cover:
- Emergency care and hospital stays.
- Surgery and follow-up appointments.
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation.
- Long-term care for serious or permanent injuries.
- Home adjustment and accessibility devices in case of disability.
- Lost Income — If your injuries stop you from working, you may be able to recover the following:
- Pay what you missed during recovery.
- Loss of future income if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
- Reduced earning capacity for lasting or permanent disabilities.
- Pain & Suffering — This type of compensation is for the personal impact of the crash, such as:
- Physical pain and discomfort from injuries.
- Emotional suffering, anxiety, or depression.
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities or hobbies.
- Property Damage — You can also recover the cost to repair or replace your damaged bicycle, gear, phone, or other personal belongings lost in the crash.
In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional harm, the court might award punitive damages to hold them accountable. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can review the full extent of your injuries and help calculate the possible value of your claim.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons. Some involve careless drivers, while others involve the road or your bike. Knowing what causes these accidents may help you better understand what happened and what steps to take next.
- Driver-Related Causes:
- Speeding — Drivers going too fast may not see you in time or stop quickly enough to avoid a crash.
- Distracted Driving — Texting, eating, or talking to passengers can take a driver’s eyes off the road.
- Impaired Driving — Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment, reaction time, and control.
- Failure to Yield — Many crashes happen when drivers don’t yield at intersections or crosswalks.
- Aggressive Driving — Some drivers tailgate or cut off cyclists, leading to dangerous situations.
- Not Checking Blind Spots — A simple lane change can cause a crash if a driver doesn’t see you riding beside them.
- Environmental & Road Factors:
- Poor Road Design or Maintenance — Cracks, potholes, and the absence of bike lanes may force you into traffic or cause a fall.
- Construction Zones — Debris, cones, and detours can create unsafe paths.
- Bad Weather — Rain, wind, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
- Low Visibility at Night — Poor street lighting can make it harder for others to see you.
- Bicycle-Related Causes:
- Mechanical Failures — Faulty brakes, loose chains, or tire blowouts may lead to sudden accidents.
- Improper Maintenance — Poor repairs or missed issues by a bike shop or maintenance provider can put you at risk during your ride.
These causes may lead to the following types of accidents:
- Left-turn and right-turn collisions
- Dooring accidents
- Sideswipe crashes
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Pedestrian collisions
- Dog chase accidents
- Food delivery crashes
- Electric bicycle accidents
Recognizing the pattern can help explain what happened or determine who may be at fault.
Steps You Can Take After A Bicycle Accident
You may have already called 911, talked to the police, or received care at the scene. However, after things settle, there are still recommended steps that can help protect your health and support your claim.
- Visit a Hospital or Emergency Room — Even if paramedics checked you, a full evaluation may reveal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, like internal bleeding or head trauma.
- Follow Your Treatment Plan — Go to follow-up visits, take prescribed meds, and keep records. If you need physical therapy, chiropractic care, or surgery, document it.
- Save Any Evidence — If you were able to take photos or videos, store them in a safe place. Save any documentation proving your injuries, bike damage, road conditions, and anything relevant. Hold on to damaged bike gear or clothing, too.
- Collect Important Documents — Keep records of medical bills, repair estimates, missed work, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Write Down What Happened — As soon as you can, write a detailed account of the accident. Include where it happened, what was said, and how you felt afterward.
- Avoid Posting About the Crash Online — What you share on social media may be used against you. It’s best to avoid posting about the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider — Report the accident when you’re ready. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
- Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer — They can review your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process. It can help you recover potential damages, which may include medical costs, lost income, and more.
Statistics About Bicycle Accidents In California
Bicycle accidents continue to impact many families across California. Each number in these reports represents real people: riders simply trying to get from one place to another.
The 2023 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts also identified the top causes of fatal and serious bicycle injury crashes in 2021. Out of 1,173 crashes, these were the most common reasons:
- Unsafe Speed — 17.5%
- Improper Turning — 17.1%
- Automobile Right-of-Way Violations — 15.8%
- Riding on the Wrong Side of the Road — 12.9%
- Ignoring Traffic Signals & Signs — 12.4%
The following figures, sourced from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) database, show yearly bicycle accident fatalities over the last five years:
- In 2021, 140 people lost their lives in bicycle accidents.
- In 2022, that number increased to 199.
- In 2023, 161 cyclists lost their lives.
- In 2024, 148 deaths have been recorded so far.
The 2024 to 2023 data shows a decline in fatalities. This improvement suggests that bicycle safety initiatives, such as Go Safely, California, and Bicycle Safety Stop, may have a positive impact. Still, the data remains concerning because they’re not just numbers; they represent lives deeply affected or tragically lost.
If you or someone you love got injured in a recent bicycle accident, a skilled lawyer in California can help you understand your rights. They can also look into what caused the crash and guide you through your next steps.
Let One Of Our California Lawyers Review Your Bicycle Accident Case
Managing your bicycle accident case while trying to recover is not easy. You may be dealing with pain, medical appointments, missed work, and a growing stack of bills. Our injury attorneys can review your situation to help you understand what steps you may take next.
Our bicycle accident lawyers serve clients in California, from Sacramento to San Diego, and everywhere in between. You’re welcome to visit us at our Los Angeles office. We can also meet virtually or by appointment at a location convenient to you.
Your immigration status won’t affect our support. What matters is your recovery and the effort we can put into helping you through it. Just like our car accident lawyers, our bicycle injury attorneys also take the time to understand your situation and work to pursue an outcome in your best interests. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case and how we may help you move forward.
